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Temporary Visitors

Dependent Visas


Many visa holders are allowed to bring their family members with them as dependents. Just like the primary applicants, the rules and requirements for dependents vary by category.   


Dependents of Temporary Workers


All applicants, including children, applying for H4 and L2 temporary worker dependent visas must present the following documents:

  1. A passport valid for travel to the US for at least six months after your date of entry into the US.
  2. A completed visa application form DS-156. Every applicant must also complete the form DS-157.
  3. A copy of the H1B holders notice of approval from I797
  4. Original marriage certificate for spouse and birth certificate for the child


All applicants are highly encouraged to bring these documents as well:

  1. Marriage ceremony photographs (do not bring entire photo albums).
  2. Clear copies of H1B visa holders passport all 36 pages
  3. A letter from the H1B visa holders employer confirming continued employment
  4. US tax returns and W2 forms for each year the H1B visa holder as work in the United States
  5. H1B visa holder’s most recent pay slips from the United States employer.


Dependents of Students and Exchange Visitors


Students and exchange visitors may bring spouses and children with them to the United States provided they can support them financially during their stay. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment in the United States, nor may the spouses enter academic programs of their own. The applicants must bring the following items to the interview:

  1. A passport valid for travel to the US for at least six months after your date of entry into the US.
  2. A completed visa application form DS-156.
  3. Completed form  I-20 for each dependent
  4. I-20 of the principal applicant
  5. Your marriage registration certificate and an original birth certificate for each child.


It is recommended that applicants also bring the following documents:

  1. Other evidence of a marital relationship, such as wedding ceremony photos. Please submit no more than 30 and please do not submit entire albums.
  2. A good quality photocopy or the original of their spouse's passport - all 36 pages. The copy of the passport submitted should be a clear copy and the photo must be clearly identifiable.
  3. Documents showing arrangements for financial support for the entire family.


Dependents of Religious Workers


Travelers on a religious worker visa (R1) may bring spouses and children with them provided they have the ability to support them financially.  Family members accompanying religious workers may not obtain employment in the United States. Applicants are advised to bring the following documents with them to the interview: 

  1. Your marriage registration certificate, and an original birth certificate for each child.
  2. Other evidence of a marital relationship, such as wedding ceremony photos. Please submit no more than 30 and please do not submit entire albums.
  3. A good quality photocopy or the original of their spouse's passport - all 36 pages. The copy of the passport submitted should be a clear copy and the photo must be clearly identifiable.
  4. Documents showing arrangements for financial support for the entire family.
  5. The copy of the contract between the employer and the employee in the U.S.